Published: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 4:13 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 4:13 p.m.

Photo Galleries

County officials are trying to locate the owner of a tannish female mixed-breed Paso Fino horse, which was found Tuesday wandering on East State Road 40 in the Ocala National Forest.

A motorist reported seeing it running in the middle of SR 40 near Forest Road 9.

Sheriff's deputies went there but were unable to capture the animal. They called Mike Deen, a retired sheriff's captain, who was able to corral it.

The U.S. Navy was conducting a bombing exercise at the Pine Castle Bombing Range, which is roughly 12 miles north of where the animal was spotted, and county officials said the animal might have been spooked by the noise and run away.

It was then turned over to Animal Services.

Barbra Hernandez, a county spokeswoman, said Wednesday that the horse is staying in a field in southeast Ocala.

Hernandez said the horse has an old abrasion on its chest but does not have any new injuries.

Animal Services staff have inspected the horse, and ite appears healthy. Hernandez said officials believe the horse is 4 to 6 years old.

<p>Are you missing a young horse?</p><p>County officials are trying to locate the owner of a tannish female mixed-breed Paso Fino horse, which was found Tuesday wandering on East State Road 40 in the Ocala National Forest.</p><hr />
<center>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocalacom/127215563985799" target="_blank">
<img src="/assets/images/widgets/Ocala/Teezers/OSFacebookTeaserSmall.jpg" /><br />
</center>
</a>
<hr /><p>A motorist reported seeing it running in the middle of SR 40 near Forest Road 9.</p><p>Sheriff's deputies went there but were unable to capture the animal. They called Mike Deen, a retired sheriff's captain, who was able to corral it.</p><p>The U.S. Navy was conducting a bombing exercise at the Pine Castle Bombing Range, which is roughly 12 miles north of where the animal was spotted, and county officials said the animal might have been spooked by the noise and run away.</p><p>It was then turned over to Animal Services.</p><p>Barbra Hernandez, a county spokeswoman, said Wednesday that the horse is staying in a field in southeast Ocala.</p><p>Hernandez said the horse has an old abrasion on its chest but does not have any new injuries.</p><p>Animal Services staff have inspected the horse, and ite appears healthy. Hernandez said officials believe the horse is 4 to 6 years old.</p><p>The owner can call Marion County Animal Services at 671-8700.</p>